The shock and grief that consumes you after losing someone are overwhelming. Losing a friend or your beloved one is never easy. You have been changed by this loss, but you can learn how to survive, even grow, from this challenge.
Grief is a normal and healthy emotional reaction which occurs when you lose someone or something important. Your feelings may happen in stages when it comes to terms with your loss. Doctors have identified five common phases of grief: Denial – Anger – Bargaining – Depressed – Acceptance. Every person goes through these stages in his or her own way. Reminders of your loss, like the anniversary of a wedding, death or a common song, can make the grief return.
Each person controls emotions and feelings differently. Your feelings are unique. The following are suggestions for healing your emotions in healthy ways.
- Seek support. It is very important to know that there are people who are always there when you need extra support. You may find it helpful to talk to a friend, family member, a counselor or a medical professional. A support group is also a good suggestion as each person will be able to relate in various ways to your experience.
- Be patient. Your healing progress takes time. It is hard to make decisions when you are coping with loss, it is best for you to put off important decisions until you are ready to make them.
- Stay present. Take each moment as it comes, so that you can accept the ugly truth and be able to respond in the way that is most helpful to you. Mindfulness or meditation techniques such as deep-breath can help you stay present and express your emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
- Express yourself. Acknowledging your experience does help a lot, you can choose to tell others how you are feeling or acknowledge them privately.
- Allow yourself to have fun. Laughter heals, but it is alright to cry. Try to participate in as many social activities as you can.
- Take care of yourself. Have a healthy routine, eat as well as you can, have some physical activities when you can. Avoid alcohol and other drugs, they only make it harder for you to work through your feelings.
Grief after losing someone is like a rollercoaster full of ups and. You will never get over the loss you have experienced, but over time you will begin to heal. There are many healthy ways to cope with your loss. If the intensity of your grief does not ease gradually, seek professional help.
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